There are numerous reported ways to treat chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) and practice is still differing considerably between departments. Except for a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) that found that postoperative subdural drainage was better than no drain, there is no higher level evidence. Another recent RCT did not replicate these findings, but the study was severely underpowered.

Aim of this population based study is to compare clinical results (reoperation rates, complications, perioperative death, and survival) between neurosurgical departments treating CSDH with different treatment policies.

The patients have been selected to the given therapy solely on the basis of geography. All patients treated with evacuation of primary chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH) from 2005 through 2010 at St.Olav University Hospital and UNN, and primary CSDH from 2006 through 2010 at Karolinska University Hospital (not 2005 due to practical reasons since major changes occurred in electronic surgery protocols 2005).

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

All patients treated with evacuation of primary chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH) from 2005 through 2010 at St.Olav University Hospital

All patients treated with evacuation of primary chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH) from 2005 through 2010 at University Hospital North Norway

All patients treated with evacuation of primary CSDH from 2006 through 2010 at Karolinska University Hospital (not 2005 due to practical reasons since major changes occurred in electronic surgery protocols 2005).

Exclusion Criteria:

Chronic subdural hematoma in arachnoid cyst(s)

Previous CSDH surgery

External hydrocephalus (hydrocephalus with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the subdural space rather than in the ventricles)

CSDH due to previous intracranial surgery (within 6 months).

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01930617